1-(2-pyrimidinyl)-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)urea

1-(2-Pyrimidinyl)-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)urea, often referred to as **FEAU**, is a potent and selective inhibitor of **carbonic anhydrases (CAs)**.

**Here's why it's important for research:**

* **Understanding CA biology:** CAs are enzymes that catalyze the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate and protons. They are ubiquitous in nature and play crucial roles in various physiological processes, including respiration, pH regulation, and electrolyte transport. FEAU is a valuable tool to study CA function and their role in various biological processes.
* **Therapeutic potential:** CAs are implicated in a range of diseases, including cancer, glaucoma, epilepsy, and obesity. FEAU's selective inhibition of specific CA isoforms suggests potential therapeutic applications in these areas.
* **Development of new drugs:** FEAU serves as a lead compound for the development of new, more effective CA inhibitors with improved selectivity and pharmacokinetic properties. It can be used to understand the structure-activity relationships of CAs and guide the design of novel drugs.
* **Chemical probes:** FEAU can be used as a chemical probe to investigate the role of specific CA isoforms in various cellular processes. This allows researchers to understand the mechanisms of action of CAs and identify new targets for drug development.

**In summary:** FEAU is an important research tool with implications for understanding CA biology, developing new drugs, and discovering new therapeutic targets. Its potency, selectivity, and chemical properties make it a valuable compound for various research applications.